Last update at 6-2-15 at 2210Z
Website links:
MyFlightRoute:
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http://myflightroute.comCode: Select all
http://airnav.comCode: Select all
http://flightaware.com/about/faq_aircraft_flight_plan_suffix.rvt* There's an assumption on the network that you know and understand the basics or flying an airplane and using a navigation chart.
* You should be able to track an airway, understand the basics of VOR navigation and know the legs of a standard traffic pattern.
* Get charts: AirNav (http://airnav.com) and SkyVector (http://skyvector.com)
* Simulator weather is up to you, but a controller is generally expecting real world weather. If you are simulating something else, let the controller know.
* Always pull up the airport taxi chart and be familiar with the labeled taxiways
* Pay attention to the frequencies for clearance delivery, ground and tower. They sometimes vary based on what side of the airport you might be on
* Take a bathroom break before getting in front of the sim.
* Military airfields are not covered by PE. Use the published CTAF and treat it as an uncontrolled field.
* Learn to love myflightroute.com
* It may seem like overkill to watch all the PE Workshops if you're not a real world pilot and/or don't plan on becoming one, learning the rules and information will make your life and the life of the controller a lot easier.
* Don't try to "wing it" when flying on PE. Ensure you are adequately prepared for your flight before you make it.
* PilotEdge is a training network but respect the real world procedures and rules.
PE Login Etiquette:
* PilotEdge uses the rules of the real world. Remember that always.
* You'll need a valid callsign for the aircraft you're using. Try this link (http://myflightroute.com/number.php?) and have it generate a callsign for you. Avoid using the callsign of the aircraft in the sim.
* Connect at a ramp or parking slot. NEVER connect using a runway number or "active" runway. PE assumes that this is the real world and airplanes don't appear at the end of the runway unexpectedly.
* Before you fly online, try connecting at an airport at the ramp, tune to the ground frequency and listen. Get a feel for the rhythm of the comms. Make some notes about questions you have and come back to the forums and ask here.
* Clearance Deliver/Ground/Tower are "shared" by a controller, so you'll hear people at different airports for different calls. Pay attention to this difference so you don't get confused.
* Do not pause your simulator without express permission from the controller or PE staff.
* When you key the mike, be concise, just like in the real world. If it helps, write down what you need to say before you say it. The training videos really help out with this. Example: "__ Tower, United 2253 Short of __" where the first blank = what tower and the second blank = what runway.
* Controllers aren't frustrated with you--they are realistic. If they don't get an immediate response, they start to plan for the possibility that your radio has failed and you could be a danger to other traffic.
* If you are having technical problems with your sim, tell the controller and offer to disconnect as not to be a hazard to other pilots.
First Flight:
* Squawk Mode C or Squawk Altitude means turn on your transponder to the "altitude" setting. In some simulators, flipping the switch in the airplane will turn it on for a controller to see. In FSX or P3D, it generally does not--use the provided client. If in doubt, turn on the transponder while sitting at your parking spot.
* It's OK to ask questions but don't jam the frequency with a conversation. The support email address (support@pilotedge.net) and these forums can answer many questions.
* Seriously consider doing the Pilot Training program and PE first flight no matter your experience online or in the sim.
* Make your first flight in the aircraft you're most comfortable with that's not a jet with an FMC/FMS. Do three laps of the pattern at a towered field. What you're learning here is not flying, but a method to deal with radio calls, other pilots, congestion on the frequency and basic ATC stuff.
* Don't make your first flight IFR.
* Also, when calling for taxi you need to state your position on field (using a description from the chart) and the ATIS information.
* When ground gives you taxi instructions, they will expect you to get to the hold short point (marked on the chart) and call tower on your own.
* When holding short of a runway, report "ready for departure" and avoid using "takeoff" when you call in to avoid confusion.
VFR flights:
* Read all about TEC routes on the training webpage. In real world SoCal airspace, TEC routes are the rule, not the exception. Controllers will change your flight plan to match a tech route. Here's a link to find TEC routes.
* VFR flights at different airports have different rules. Most new users connect at KSNA John Wayne and forget that it's a Class Charlie. That means you have to call clearance delivery to tell them what you want to do before calling ground for taxi.
* Always get the weather and tell the first movement controller (ground usually) that you have "the numbers" or "the weather". Again, myflightroute.com to the rescue.
* If you don't know what something means, either ask or admit it - don't go along with it and then violate airspace restrictions because you don't know how to find or follow a procedure.
* Do not switch off the established frequency unless directed to change to another specific controller or until you hear "Frequency change approved".
* "Resume on navigation" does not mean your cut loose and on your own, it just means that you are to continue your flight as planned. If it's a VFR flight, maintain the VFR rules while continuing to monitor the current frequency. If in doubt, ASK.
General Etiquette:
* When contacting a controller after a handoff, omit "with you" and always use full callsign and altitude. Example: "N123AB level five thousand five hundred VFR" or "Southwest 224 flight level one nine two climbing flight level two three zero"
* Don't step on people when keying the mike. If the controller is working the ground position, you'll hear other pilots. Allow for a brief pause after each transmission to allow time for the controller to issue a landing clearance and the other pilot to do the readback. If need be, read it back in your mind a little slower than you actually would to allow time for the other aircraft to respond.
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That's it for now...I'll add yours above the line.
